A winter cold confession

Dear readers of All About Seniors, I write this column with a box of tissues close at hand and a lingering cough as my companion. It is Sunday afternoon and I feel lousy; over the weekend I came down with a winter cold, and it’s nasty. So much so that I didn’t even go to church this morning with my wife.

And furthermore, I didn’t feel like writing this column today either. But rather than give in, I went to my trusted AI companion, GROK, and asked for help. And here’s exactly what I gave to GROK as instructions:  “Please write a humorous but informative article for my All About Seniors column admitting that I’ve succumbed to a winter cold. Then advise my readers what causes Winter colds, how to treat them and best of all, how to prevent them. Length should be about 600 words.” 

Then I pushed the enter button and here’s what came out in less than a minute. I did this for a couple reasons: 

1. I really don’t feel good and could use some help and 
2. For those of you who are not trying to keep up with this AI world we’re now living in, I’d like to demonstrate, even in just a small way, how powerful it is. So, here we go:

Despite my usual efforts to stay healthy—regular exercise, nutritious meals, and diligent hand washing—I’ve succumbed to a winter cold this season. It’s a humbling experience and a reminder that these common illnesses can catch up with anyone, no matter how careful we are. Rather than complain, I’ll share what I’ve relearned about winter colds: their causes, effective management, and practical prevention strategies.

What causes these persistent winter colds? Primarily, they are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Rhinoviruses account for most cases, though more than 200 viruses can trigger symptoms. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact like handshakes, or touching contaminated surfaces and then your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Cold weather itself doesn’t cause colds, but seasonal factors increase their frequency. We tend to gather indoors more during winter, in closer proximity, which aids viral spread. Dry air prolongs virus survival outside the body and dries nasal mucous membranes, impairing their ability to trap pathogens. Rhinoviruses also replicate optimally at the cooler temperatures found in the nasal passages. Emerging research indicates that inhaling cold air can briefly reduce the nose’s innate immune defenses, such as extracellular vesicles that neutralize viruses.

Treatment focuses on comfort and support, since colds are self-limiting and resolve in 7-10 days for most people. Rest is essential—give your body time to recover. Hydration helps thin mucus and soothe irritated tissues; opt for warm fluids like herbal tea, broth, or water. A humidifier or vaporizer can add moisture to dry indoor air. Over-the-counter options include decongestants for stuffiness (use cautiously if you have high blood pressure), acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and low fever, and menthol lozenges for throat relief. Chicken soup isn’t just comforting—some studies suggest it has mild anti-inflammatory properties. 

For seniors, always check with a healthcare provider before combining remedies with existing medications. Seek medical care if symptoms last longer than two weeks, include high fever, severe headache, shortness of breath, or if you have chronic conditions that could lead to complications.

The best approach, of course, is prevention. Start with thorough handwashing—20 seconds with soap and water, especially after public outings or before eating. Minimize face-touching and carry hand sanitizer for convenience. Support your immune system through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, zinc, and vitamin D (consider supplements if sunlight exposure is limited). Moderate exercise, adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), and stress management all contribute to resilience. 

Get vaccinated against influenza annually, as the flu can mimic or worsen a cold. In crowded settings or during outbreaks, wearing a mask and improving room ventilation can reduce risk. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home to protect others.

My current bout with this cold has reinforced these lessons firsthand. I’ll recover soon with rest and patience, and I hope this information helps you avoid a similar inconvenience. Staying healthy allows us to enjoy our golden years fully—take good care, and here’s to a sniffle-free winter ahead.

This is Bill back again, Thanks for reading All About Seniors, see you next week!

PS… If you haven’t yet tried AI, it is very simple to use, and still free! For the one I use, just Google “GROK AI” and you’ll be on your way. It’s never too late to get started!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at  https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA